http://www.hybridcars.com/compressed-natural-gas/overview.html
Only One Choice, For Now
Natural gas is normally used in the U.S. to generate electricity, heat houses and businesses, and as a component in a variety of industrial processes. In the United States, a very small amount of natural gas (just one-tenth of 1% of all gas consumed) is also used as a fuel for vehicles. Traditionally, CNG vehicles have been used in private and government fleets, but some of these vehicles also are owned by private citizens. According to the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, there are 130,000 CNG vehicles in use in the United States, although this modest total includes heavy-duty vehicles (such as trucks and buses) as well as automobiles. Other countries, including Argentina and Brazil, boast more than 1 million CNG vehicles apiece.
If youre thinking of joining the league of CNG drivers in the U.S., your choice of new vehicles is limited this year to one: The Honda Civic GX, a natural gas-powered version of the Civic. Compared with a Civic Hybrid, youll pay $2,290 more for the Civic GX, although youll be eligible for a $4,000 tax incentive instead of the Civic Hybrids current credit of $2,100. In addition, CNG vehicles such as the Civic GX are eligible for most of the same parking and carpool lane privileges as hybrids; in many states, CNG vehicles were using HOV lanes long before hybrids.
Another advantage of CNG vehicles is that, at least currently, the natural gas used to power them is primarily from domestic sources. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, just 20 percent of the natural gas consumed in the United States last year was imported, and most of those imports came from Canadaa country considered a supporter of terrorism far less often than several oil-producing nations that shall remain nameless. Unfortunately, natural gas imports have been rising gradually since the mid-1980s, and as demand for natural gas in the U.S. grows, the amount imported from overseas may have to grow also.
Unfortunately, the Civic GX is only sold in California and New York. But if you are in one of the states where it is sold, you can buy and finance the GX along with a necessary accessory:
Phill is a natural gas compressor that installs in your garage. It tops off the tank and shuts off, automatically, using your home's natural gas service.